Potential US Travel Ban Expansion to Include Pakistan and Afghanistan
The US may soon add Pakistan and Afghanistan to a travel ban as President Trump seeks to expand the previous Muslim ban. Shawn Vandiver from #AfghanEvac has indicated the White House will receive a report on the issue March 12. Officials express urgent concern, particularly for Afghans awaiting resettlement. Pakistan remains hopeful it will not be included due to positive diplomatic interactions.
The United States is considering adding Pakistan and Afghanistan to a new travel ban as early as next week, following President Donald Trump’s move to potentially revive and expand the previous Muslim ban from his first term. Shawn Vandiver, leader of AfghanEvac, has indicated that a report will be delivered to the White House on March 12, which influences the decision regarding visa-approval processes and “enhanced vetting” for prospective visitors.
Vandiver expressed urgency in the matter, conveying that the Trump administration is expected to act promptly. He emphasized, “There are several countries on the list, the nationals of which will not be able to come here,” highlighting concerns for Afghans awaiting relocation to the US. Vandiver hopes that refugees may be exempt from this restriction, although no final decisions have been confirmed.
In contrast, Pakistani officials remain cautiously optimistic about not being included on the travel ban list, partly due to recent commendations from Trump regarding Islamabad’s cooperation in capturing a suspect linked to a fatal bombing in Kabul. Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan during a congressional address, reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Trump’s executive directives necessitate identifying countries requiring partial or full travel suspensions due to insufficient vetting processes. According to various sources, a new ban could soon limit travelers from Afghanistan and Pakistan, which might be broader than the initial ban from 2017 that affected various Muslim-majority countries. This upcoming move may also have significant implications for tens of thousands of Afghans with refugee status or Special Immigrant Visas.
The 2021 US Census Bureau estimates show approximately 629,946 residents of Pakistani descent in the United States; however, current figures suggest the population could exceed one million. Additionally, over 10,000 Pakistani students pursue higher education in the US, while around 200,000 Afghans approved for resettlement remain stranded in Afghanistan and other countries after a freeze on admissions was instituted. Should the travel ban be implemented, it may severely impact their chances of relocation and safety.
In summary, the potential expansion of the travel ban to include Pakistan and Afghanistan under the Trump administration raises significant concerns for individuals seeking refuge in the United States. As deliberations continue, the implications of this ban could affect thousands of Afghans and Pakistanis, alongside the foundational diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan. The administration’s actions in this regard will be critical to the fates of these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
